I am Czech - what was Linda thinking?

I am Czech but I have no explanation for Linda's weakness. I guess it is her personal trait. As you might have noticed, in the first episode, Linda presented herself as a marketing specialist or a coordinator SLASH model. However, in the second episode, she said she was a model. The same goes for her best friend Karolina, whose job was described as waitress in the first episode while in the second one she mentioned she was working on her MBA. Yeah, right...I think somebody posted a different message saying that they worked in a restaurant from Prague which is exactly what they did (at least Karolina for sure). Linda is not a famous model in Prague, she is doing modelling on the side, but she is in no way a top model and a "face" in high demand...Sure, it will give her exposure and that's exactly what models need...Nevertheless, the original question was if somebody would help you with explaining why she did what she did...One word, no, actually 3 words: She is weak...This is not a typical behavior and definitely something not Czech. You would even think that her, being a model, would have a sense of her own value. The girls didn't even attack her verbally, they didn't abuse her or anything...It was just "something in the air" as we call it in Europe, a tension of some sort and she couldn't face it. I'm sorry but honey, in today's world, no matter if you are a model or a manager, you have to speak up and stand up for yourself...On top of everything, these girls were flown over to Tuscany to have a few weeks of fun (all expenses paid)...What's so stressful about that? It's one of the best fun times you can have...You connect with fello Europeans and socialize, have fun, get to know the guy, enjoy good Italian food and landscape and make the best of it. There's no pressure, really..If you connect, you do, if you don't, well, you had a good time and now you go home...2 years ago, I went to Paris to shoot a commercial (although I am not a model, they used "normal 5" 5' people like me who had spark and energy etc). It was the best time of my life - terrific $750 a night hotel in Paris, fantastic American production crew (the director was a young guy who made a movie with Val Kilmer..but I've never seen that one anyway, I think it was called Red Planet)..we had fun everyday. We got gift baskets everyday (flowers, fresh fruit, Godiva). We had massages and access to spa/swimming pool at any time. On the other hand, it was hard work too. Memorizing lines for the commercial, clothes fittings with a cute gay stylist, and all that crazy stuff. We all hung out together and I made really good friends. I am still in touch with a girl from Germany, we became close...Up to this day, we recall what a great time we had and we somehow know that it's not very likely that we would be spoiled like this anytime soon...It was one of those "once in your lifetime" opportunities. But enough about me...in my opinion, the selection of girls from my country was not the best...I really didn't like Karolina, she came across to me as pretencious bleached blonde, you would probably have to be from my country to really understand...I liked Teresa's comments, she was the only once who was totally herself, not pretending to be anybody else, she was definitely there for the romance not the money and she was the most wholesome of all 4..Kristyna didn't look attractive in the 1st episode, she looked like a man-eater and what's up with that skunky hair? But, she was better in the episode when Linda was voted off...Linda - I don't know...She has a pretty face and she's skinny (but no boobs, not typical of Czech girls who are "blood and milke" - all in the right places and proud of it). Her English was probably the best of all 4 and that's why they focused on her...You have to think of thelanguage barrier...I started watching the show because I wanted to see how my fellow Czech girls will present themselves and I can see that there is still a difference between Western and Eastern Eruope...look at the Swedish girls? They are so outgoing, not afraid to speak out, be loud, have fun. They know they might be gone tomorrow so they enjoy their time in there in full..The Czech ones always stand back and wait...not good...I am kind of disappointed not to see any Russian girls, they are real beauties too..Thank you for reading my note and feel free to post replies or ask me anything...Take care, DeeDee

I am Czech but I have no explanation for Linda's weakness. I guess it is her personal trait. As you might have noticed, in the first episode, Linda presented herself as a marketing specialist or a coordinator SLASH model. However, in the second episode, she said she was a model. The same goes for her best friend Karolina, whose job was described as waitress in the first episode while in the second one she mentioned she was working on her MBA. Yeah, right...I think somebody posted a different message saying that they worked in a restaurant from Prague which is exactly what they did (at least Karolina for sure). Linda is not a famous model in Prague, she is doing modelling on the side, but she is in no way a top model and a "face" in high demand...Sure, it will give her exposure and that's exactly what models need...Nevertheless, the original question was if somebody would help you with explaining why she did what she did...One word, no, actually 3 words: She is weak...This is not a typical behavior and definitely something not Czech.

Hey Darina.

Wow... tough words. It is certainly your perogative to find Linda "weak" but your attacks on these girls' characters is unneccessary in my opinion.

For the record... Karolina is getting her Masters at the Economics University and I don't ever remember Linda calling herself a "top-model".

In my opinion Karolina and Linda refelect very well on the Czech Republic and you should be proud to have them representing your country. After living 4 years in Prague I can think of many more women who would have reflected worse on your country than these two.

Reply to JGoldstein2000

Hi:

Didn't know what you mean by calling me Darina, that is not my name but it doesn't really matter. Coincidentally, I am going to use it as an example of making assumptions. You just assumed that it was my name most probably by my username, correct? Well, the viewers of Joe Milionaire, including me, can only assume what these girls (incl. Karolina and Linda) are like based on what we have seen so far. And most of all, just as many peole on this message board mentioned, we can make these assumptions on the facts and bits WE ARE ACTUALLY SHOWN. Everybody knows there is much more going on. The show is somewhat scripted and they edit it and what not, put it together so that it is exciting and watchable..With FOX, there always has to be a TWIST too (ha ha) so they try to create one this way or another just so that you are all curious and excited to watch the next episode. It's fine with me, I like to observe people, how we differ from one another, what are our best traits and what are our flaws...When I am posting things here on this message board, I speak from my personal experience. That's all. I express my opinions but that does not necessarily have to mean that you have to agree with them. It is my opinion and it's out there to be read and people can agree, disagree, reply or post their own message. We all communicate and that's interesting...Therefore, allow me to say upfront (as a comment to your reply) that in no way I see my previous (first) message as an attack on these girls' characters. It is how I feel about them from we saw and based on my mentality and upbringing in the Czech Republic. I am a 100% Czech just like them, I know the stereotypes, the lifestyles, all that in general...People categorize...and make assumptions. I thought it would be of interest to others to see a "Czech point of view"...On a similar note, though, you mentione my comments were unneccessary. Well guess what, we live in a country of freedom and choice. My posting was neither vulgar nor "abusive"..and it was never my intention to "attack" or anything like that. My goal was to share my point of view...from my European point of view because the lifestyles are really different than the one you are leading here in the States...I have been very lucky to be able to travel a lot and I like it. I have visited every single state in Europe except for a few (in Scandinavia). I've been to Germany, Italy, Spain, France, former Yugoslavia, Belgium, Slovakia (naturally)...blah blah blah..you name it (I am not naming these to impress anyone, in case someone wants to offend me)...I have named a few to use them as examples of the traditions/lifestyles there are in Europe. You know it is really true (although they are often cliches)..OK, so the Czech Republic is known for beautiful girls and beer, Russia for beautiful girsl, vodka and recently mafia, Germans are very precise, exact and always on time (and they like beer a lot), the French like to live life to the fullest and they enjoy good wine and food, the Italians and Spanish have their mid-day siesta and cannot be bothered during that time etc. etc. I could go on...We all have good and bad personal traits..Perhaps in the past, I would look at some of the specifics above as cliches but they really are true! I think that's what makes us unique at times, it's our heritage, you know...But these things can sometimes come across as cultural differences if one of the parties is not easily adaptable...OK, I am rambling here...I mean there is so much I could share with you guys...

JGoldstein2000 (since I don't know what your real name is and it's OK), hopefully I made myself clear. If you want to discuss this further, feel free to post a message or email me diretly. Thanks! DeeDee

PS: To all: They just announced that Joe 2 is not getting good ratings so there will be just one episode per week instead of 2. And I thought the Euro version was a better one...go figure, I guess I am not your usual viewer..

PS2: To all: Did any of you wonder how can all these gorgeous girls be boyfriendless? What's up with that?

JGoldstein2000 (since I don't know what your real name is and it's OK), hopefully I made myself clear. If you want to discuss this further, feel free to post a message or email me diretly. Thanks! DeeDee

PS: To all: They just announced that Joe 2 is not getting good ratings so there will be just one episode per week instead of 2. And I thought the Euro version was a better one...go figure, I guess I am not your usual viewer..

PS2: To all: Did any of you wonder how can all these gorgeous girls be boyfriendless? What's up with that?

Hi DeeDee:

I'm not trying to play the role of peacemaker, but I enjoy reading both yours and JGoldstein2000's perspectives very much and look forward to reading more. You probably know this already, but JGold (hope it's ok to shorten your name in the interest of saving time and my keyboard) is married to a Czech gal who was introduced to him by Karoline (?) and knows Linda a little, so he may be somewhat sensitive.

Having said that, I would agree with him that all of the Czech women have represented their (your) country well.

I'm sure at least most of us would never judge a country solely on the basis of meeting a few natives-- especially in a "reality tv format"--although of course we all see the world through certain stereotypes. For instance, my idea of an average Russian woman is something akin to a linebacker even though I know that can't be true.

And yes, I continue to wonder how all of these beautiful women can still be single, much less apparently without boyfriends. What's up with your European men?

Thanks for your reply

Reporting to the Captain now, sir, yes sir!

Thanks so much for your lovely note. I am glad you read both mine and JGold's opinions, that's what it's all about. Gaining opinions from different people and sharing one's thoughts is what we all can do here. I love it! Yep, I noticed that JGold is a little sensitive on the subject of Karolina and Linda. I don't really care if Karolina introduced him to his future wife or not. If she really did, good for him and have a nice life. BUT don't you think anybody could make this up..I can go and register under a new username and pretend that I am Linda's best friend and post whatever I want. That's the "beauty" (or not) of Internet. We can hide behind masks and usernames and "pretend" to be someone we are not. Mind you I am not doing that...it's not my style. It was just an example. I live a real life and share my opinions as I see them now based on my past and present experiences...Anyway, if you are the peacemaker, let's make you a judge here (although I am not really competing with anyone and I don't want to make JGold even angrier) - or as Linda would say "I care a lot about what other people think of me and I can get easily manipulated by others...NOT (ha ha)..You have to be your own person first.

Here it comes: IF HIS WIFE IS SUCH A GOOD FRIEND WITH KAROLINA, WOULDN'T HE KNOW ALREADY HOW IT ALL ENDED AND WHO IS THE LAST GIRL STANDING? Just think about it. It's as simple as that.

So Yatzee, game on! (Sorry guys, ever since I watche Paradise Hotel and saw Toni say that, it got stuck in my mind). For me (as a Czech), it sounds very "fun"...English is so cool....

Anyway "Goldie" (can I call you Goldie, JGoldstein, since it is shorter and fun too - let me know OK), don't take it too hard but please let us know. We are all curious. Bye bye, DeeDee and Good night to you Captain America and thanks again for your input, I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Captain America

Hi DeeDee:

I'm not trying to play the role of peacemaker, but I enjoy reading both yours and JGoldstein2000's perspectives very much and look forward to reading more. You probably know this already, but JGold (hope it's ok to shorten your name in the interest of saving time and my keyboard) is married to a Czech gal who was introduced to him by Karoline (?) and knows Linda a little, so he may be a little sensitive.

I would never judge a country solely on the basis of meeting a few natives-- especially in a "reality tv format"--although of course we all see the world through certain stereotypes. For instance, my idea of an average Russian woman is something akin to a linebacker even though I know that can't be true.

And yes, I continue to wonder how all of these beautiful women can still be single, much less apparently without boyfriends. What's up with your European men?

To Captain America

For Captain America:

Forgot to answer your last question ("what's up with European men")...well, a lot of Czech men are quite ugly, I don't know what it is about them but it's one of the reasons why Czech girls look elsewhere. I've always preferred foreigners for a variety of reasons:

1) They usually appreciate women more. They know how to treat them well. It goes back to basics such as bringing flowers on a date, paying for a dinner, having a good taste (my Italian male friend would give me designer perfumes as a gift, to Italian men, that's normal, to Czech men, it's like why would I want to spend $50 on something like this...) etc. You might be surprised by how some Czech men can be cheap...It isn't unusual of them to expect the girl to pay for it...Although there are exceptions to every rule. Now the wealthier class (the enterpreneurs who have their own businesses after the fall of communism in the Czech Rep - i.e. since 1989) have a lot of money, they like going to upscale restaurants (usually owned by foreigners, they own a lot of restaurants and bars in Prague) and they don't face these problems....But only about 7% in a recent poll viewed themselves as rich (poll was done in October 2003).

2) This may sound superficial but it was always "cool" to have an Italian or American boyfriend...on the other hand and I'm very sorry upfront for this comment but it is true, Americans who were loser here in the States went to Europe in the early 90's...the only thing they could offer was English so they mostly tought English at school or gave private lessons. They would hang out together a lot and almost every single one of them would have a Czech girlfriend...It's like a circle. Good for them and for the girls (who were seen by their peers as the girlfriends of "cool Americans"). I don't know, it's hard to explain this, you would have to live it to understand it (which I have). I've been brought up in Prague but I always hung out with both Czech people and foreigners which made it very interesting. There were a lot of Americans, Canadians and Dutch at that time...We didn't really analyze anything, we just had a good time...lots of parties too!

3) Money - inevitably, the dollar or for the matter any other Western currency is stronger than the Czech crown so there you go...as superficial as it sounds, it is true. I am not saying it is the main reason, people fall in love, it just happens. But it helps to know (in the girls' minds) that they will be taken care of. A lot of the gals from the new generation wants to have a career, husband etc., the birth rate is now at an extreme low (1.1 or 1.4 per family) because now, having all these new opportunities, the prospects of joining the European Union and all that gives hope. The women don't want to be housewives tight up at home cooking and taking care of kids (not necessarily). They want to have it all or strike for a balance between the two...

Summary: It's all just a matter of PERSONAL TASTE and the choices you make. If you have a partner, I don't think it's that much about each other's nationality but it's important to get along, be compatible and have something in common..

Originally Posted by Darienka

Reporting to the Captain now, sir, yes sir!

Thanks so much for your lovely note. I am glad you read both mine and JGold's opinions, that's what it's all about. Gaining opinions from different people and sharing one's thoughts is what we all can do here. I love it! Yep, I noticed that JGold is a little sensitive on the subject of Karolina and Linda. I don't really care if Karolina introduced him to his future wife or not. If she really did, good for him and have a nice life. BUT don't you think anybody could make this up..I can go and register under a new username and pretend that I am Linda's best friend and post whatever I want. That's the "beauty" (or not) of Internet. We can hide behind masks and usernames and "pretend" to be someone we are not. Mind you I am not doing that...it's not my style. It was just an example. I live a real life and share my opinions as I see them now based on my past and present experiences...Anyway, if you are the peacemaker, let's make you a judge here (although I am not really competing with anyone and I don't want to make JGold even angrier) - or as Linda would say "I care a lot about what other people think of me and I can get easily manipulated by others...NOT (ha ha)..You have to be your own person first.

Here it comes: IF HIS WIFE IS SUCH A GOOD FRIEND WITH KAROLINA, WOULDN'T HE KNOW ALREADY HOW IT ALL ENDED AND WHO IS THE LAST GIRL STANDING? Just think about it. It's as simple as that.

So Yatzee, game on! (Sorry guys, ever since I watche Paradise Hotel and saw Toni say that, it got stuck in my mind). For me (as a Czech), it sounds very "fun"...English is so cool....

Anyway "Goldie" (can I call you Goldie, JGoldstein, since it is shorter and fun too - let me know OK), don't take it too hard but please let us know. We are all curious. Bye bye, DeeDee and Good night to you Captain America and thanks again for your input, I appreciate it.